Scaling in... is a event series designed to help techUK SME members explore new industries and markets. Each session focuses on a specific sector, providing insights into opportunities, challenges, and practical steps for successfully selling into that market.
As retail undergoes rapid transformation—driven by shifting consumer expectations, omnichannel journeys, and an increasingly competitive digital landscape—technology providers play a crucial role in shaping what comes next. But to innovate effectively, tech companies must truly understand the unique pressures, priorities and opportunities within the retail sector.
Join us for this focussed techUK event designed to equip technology firms with the insights they need to build impactful, relevant solutions for modern retailers. Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and discussions with leading retail voices, we’ll explore:
- Current trends and challenges reshaping the retail industry
- Retailers’ top strategic priorities in 2026 and beyond
- How technology is influencing customer experience, supply chains, operations, and sustainability
- Where tech companies can add the most value—and what retailers really want from their tech partners
- Emerging innovation areas across AI, automation, data, payments, logistics and store technologies
Whether you're building cutting-edge platforms, developing AI-driven tools, or supporting retail operations, this event will help you deepen your sector understanding and engage more strategically with retail clients.
Come away with actionable insights, stronger industry context, and a clearer view of how to align your technology with the future of retail.
If you'd like, I can also write a shorter version, a more marketing-style version, or a more formal corporate tone.
Speakers
Agenda
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TBC |
Arrivals |
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Overview of the Retail Sector |
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Panel Discussion: Unlocking Advanced Technologies for Retail |
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Technology Spotlight |
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Networking |
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
- Email:
- [email protected]
James Challinor
James Challinor
James leads our financial services programme of activity. He works closely with member firms from across the sector to ensure innovation and technology are fully harnessed and embraced by both industry and regulators.
Prior to joining us James worked at other business organisations including TheCityUK and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in roles focused on supporting the financial & related professional services eco-system, with a particular focus on financial technology and market infrastructure.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-challinor-105212177/
Ed Bevan
Ed Bevan
Ed is Head of SME Engagement and is responsible for shaping techUK’s proposition to our SMEs across the country, ensuring our policy work, market access activity and services benefit the SME community.
Prior to working at techUK, Ed worked in the at the Department for International Trade, engaging with a variety of businesses, particularly SMEs, to understand the benefits of Free Trade Agreements and act as case studies in press and social media. Ed has also worked in policy and public affairs within the voluntary sector, namely the Alzheimer’s Society and the Men’s Health Forum.
Ed holds a MA in International Relations from Leiden University, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his son, travelling, and visiting historical sites.
- Email:
- [email protected]
